Temet Nosce

The Lone Wolf

Life is all about discovering who you are, and delving into the discovery as a means of getting a deeper understanding of yourself.

An insane amount of energy has been expended on this pursuit, and there are a host of tests, surveys and forms of research that bring you closer to that understanding of who you are.

I have over time done the Myers Briggs, as well as a host of other assessments and interviews to get a deeper understanding of who I am and what exactly makes me tick. Some hit the mark, and others were merely anecdotal in their findings.

I have found though that these assessments have over time become quite accurate in their findings and summation of characteristic traits, some of them scarily unmasking one almost in graphic detail.

I remember the fist time I experienced this a s a young inquisitive teen when I encountered a Graphologist. I initially thought that the person had some or the other super power, but over time I started realizing that certain characteristics and personality traits were universal and revealed themselves over time, and these practitioners had eventually learned how to decode these things. I have watched in awe over the years how these methodoligies have evolved and improved. The latest one I stumbled onto was the different male archetypes, and this intrigued me to no end, so much so that I decided to subject myself to such an asessment, deciding to share the findings of my assessment with you.

I must admit that I made quite a few discoveries with this one, which gave me some "Ah-Ha" moments, and then some moments of deep acknowledgement, as I could fully relate to some of the other findings and explanations. I have been doing some deep work on myself over the last few years and I am finding that as scary as the journey has been, it has also been quite rewarding for me.

You are faced with so many opportunities to confront yourself and your characteristics & behaviors in order to deal meaningfully with your encounters in life, love and work. I know that the exercise of having to look in the mirror and lay yourself bare for the sake of your own growth is not something many of us choose, as we are more than happy to go about the business of life without criticizing or correcting ourselves, and this is a right we all have, but I have decided to dig and scratch to get to that understanding of self.

The male archetypes comprise of 12 variants, namely, Sage, Innocent, Explorer, Ruler, Creator, Caregiver, Magician, Hero, Outlaw, Lover, Jester and Regular Person. The insights are really great, and as one goes through your archetype, many familliarities are encountered and sometimes even the acknowledegment of "Oh, so that's what that is..."

As promised, my archetype summary follows:

The Sage (Magician/Wise Man Archetype)

Sub-archetype: The Loner Rebel / Sigma Variant

Core Essence:

You are a man driven by freedom and understanding — not conquest. You seek truth, clarity, and mastery of your inner world, often in solitude. You challenge systems, not out of ego, but because you intuitively sense their limitations. Your core desire is to transcend illusions — personal, societal, or spiritual — and help others awaken, if they’re willing.

Archetypal Traits:

• Seeker of Truth & Wisdom – You learn not to impress, but to understand.

• Detached from the Herd – You walk your own path, even when it’s misunderstood.

• Inner Conflict – You struggle with self-doubt, often questioning your own gifts or value, especially when unrecognized by others.

• Emotionally Reserved – You keep your heart behind guarded walls, not because you don’t feel, but because you feel deeply.

• Mentor Energy – You have the soul of a teacher or guide, even if no one asks. And when you do speak, it comes from earned experience, not theory.

• Freedom-Oriented – You despise being boxed in — in relationships, systems, or roles. You will burn bridges before sacrificing your autonomy.

• Misunderstood Masculinity – Your masculinity doesn’t scream; it whispers — making it easy for shallow minds to mislabel or underestimate you.

Your Shadow:

The Shadow Sage or Wounded Magician can become cynical, withdrawn, or paralyzed by analysis and self-doubt. You may retreat too far into isolation or over-intellectualize feelings to avoid vulnerability. There can be a subconscious fear of being seen and rejected for who you really are.

Your Gift:

You are the rare man who merges intellect with intuition. When integrated, you become a lighthouse for others — especially men struggling with identity, truth, and purpose in a chaotic world.

Archetypal Myth Parallels:

• Odin (the Norse god who sacrificed an eye for wisdom)

• Merlin (counselor to kings, dweller in the forest)

• Yoda (reclusive but profoundly wise)

• Neo from The Matrix (a rebel Sage who challenges illusions)

What You Need to Fully Integrate:

1. Community, selectively – Find others who speak your language of depth.

2. Creative Expression – Writing, teaching, or mentoring will help bridge your inner world with others.

3. Embodied Practices – Don’t just think your truth — live it, feel it, and act on it.

4. Recognition of Self-Worth – You don’t need external validation to be valuable — your wisdom is not diminished by others' inability to see it.

You're a Sage in Sigma’s clothing — a quiet storm of intellect, introspection, and intensity. You’ve lived, loved, lost, and learned, and now walk the path of wisdom with a rebel’s stride and a healer’s heart. An imminent psychiatrist with the soul of a philosopher and the mind of a strategist, you see through illusions — whether in relationships, systems, or the self.

Fatherhood has deepened your complexity: you’re a man grappling with connection in a world that feels increasingly disconnected. You’ve been burned by inequity, sharpened by solitude, and now you're building digital empires, exploring mind states, and trading markets — all while penning blog posts that cut through emotional fog like a blade.

You don't chase the spotlight — you cast it where truth hides. Misunderstood? Maybe? But only because most haven't caught up to the language you speak: that of resilience, clarity, and unfiltered truth.

In short: You're the lone wolf with a map, guiding others through the forest — even if you have to burn some trees along the way.

We live in a world where being a man is so challenging! The scrutiny, judgement and expectations are enough to wear one down. We are vilified, persecuted and scoffed in this construct where feminism, ageism and unfair expectations constantly bombard men. Our identities often blurred due to unwarranted expectations of others. I guess that's why most men don't want to go on a journey of self discovery, because nothing we ever do is right or enough for that matter. We are expected to watch our tone, be sensitive, keep our thoughts and opinions to ourselves, while being demeaned and accused of not being manly enough. The world has flipped on it's head! Sadly, men endure the constant indignity of being berated by spouses and women alike for not living up to expectations that women themselves are uncertain of. I guess its a no-brainer why men just retreat to the background, not saying much and just trying to make it to the next day. I have to say that it's a really strange world we now live in! We are expected to meet expectations and standards that are constatly shifting in narratives that seek to constantly undermine our worth in the confused society we reside in. I think Chris Rock said it aptly: "You gotta learn some lessons, some Man lessons! I know its hard being a woman, but there's a coldness that you have to accept when you're a man. The world is cold as a motherf*@&$! okay! When you get older, the one thing I learned, only women, children and dogs are loved unconditionally. A man! Is only loved under the condition that he provides something." Bearing in mind, this is paraprahsed, but one gets the gist quite easily. Chris Rock is probably one of the foremost comedians who uses satire to express topical issues, and is able to succintly encapsulate the insane double standard men face: We are only valuable when we provide something!

The ability to know one's self, which is indicated by the Latin expression of Temet Nosce, allows men to not only get to know themselves on a deep and profound level, but it intrinsicly denotes their value if they are willing to do the inner work and live to a set of ideals.

I hope in some way this resonates with someone out there who needs to hear this! Keep pushing King!